Sun Belt Conference: Prospects to Watch

The Sun Belt is undeniably one of the FBS conferences that are falling under the radar, but there is indeed still a deep pool of talent here. Each year, we see about five or six players drafted from this conference and contribute immediately in the NFL. The 2015/2016 season is no different as the talent level in the Sun Belt is replenished once again.

Without further ado, here are the potential prospects to watch for this upcoming season in the Sun Belt conference.

Oct 15, 2013; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns running back Elijah McGuire (22) rushes against Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive lineman Devante Terrell (98) during the second half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Louisiana-Lafayette won 37-20. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Elijah McGuire – RB, Louisiana-Lafayette

In terms of talent, Elijah McGuire leads the Sun Belt in that category by a mile. He won the 2014 Sun Belt Player of the Year as well the Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore. It is of popular belief that he will be one of the top running backs chosen in the 2016 NFL Draft if he declares. One of my primary concerns this year is if and when the defenses stack the box on him, how will he react? Nonetheless, he is one of the best players to come out of this conference in some time, and I fully expect him to be a force in the Sun Belt yet again.

Gerrand Johnson – DT, Louisiana-Monroe

Johnson is an absolute bulldozer on the defensive side of the ball as he tears up opposing offenses with his quick first step and tantalizing pass rush ability from the nose tackle position. I am convinced he can also play the three technique as well in the 4-3 defense, but in UL-Monroe’s 3-4, he excels as the nose. Don’t just hear it from me; he was named 2014 Preseason 1^st Team Defensive Tackle and followed up with that honor in the postseason. It’s extremely difficult to imagine an interior defensive lineman as a conference’s defensive player of the year, but with Johnson’s inside presence, I wouldn’t count it out.

David Mims – CB, Texas State

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Who was the cornerback that was opposite of 2015 draft pick Craig Mager last season? That guy is David Mims, and he was actually named to the first team All Sun Belt team while Mager was named to the second team. Despite Mager getting much of the accolade and recognition for that Texas State secondary, Mims quietly had the better season statistically. To me, Mims seems like he has more raw talent and athleticism than Mager, and could vault himself into a Day 3 selection with another solid season in 2015.

Donovan Harden – WR, Georgia State

Harden emerged as one of the best if not the best receiver out of the Sun Belt conference last year after transferring from Illinois State. He broke several records for the program last season and was named to the preseason Biletnikoff watch list. Expect similar production in 2015 as he gets more acclimated with the offense and fulfills his full potential.

Mykhael Quave – OT, Louisiana-Lafayette

The brother of Daniel Quave, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a priority free agent after the 2015 NFL Draft. He moved from left guard to left tackle last season and started all 13 games. This smooth transition clearly depicts his position flexibility across the offensive line, which will surely catch the attention of scouts in the NFL. Along with being named to the Second-Team All Sun Belt, he was also found in the Lombardi Award watch list for the 2015 season. From what I’ve seen, I think he is absolutely a draftable player, and that could even improve with another great season.

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